Google Maps Vs Waze

GordonS

GordonS

Member
I'm quite a big SatNav user, as I drive quite a bit for work. I'm my A2 I have a Garmin unit, that has been getting less use as I discovered google maps and used that on my smartphone. Also, I use it in our other car - a Skoda Octavia using Andriod Auto. I must say I'm impressed with google maps, particularly the clarity of information displayed and it ETA accuracy, in real time too.
Yesterday I decided to download Waze and I tried it for the first time today. Boy, was I impressed. The clarity of information is a cheap version of GoogleMaps but the accuracy of real-time information Waze displayed was out of this world. Police was exactly where Waze said they would be, including a nasty little camera van, speed cameras were spot on including the roadwork average speed cameras just east of Cambridge on the A14, as was the traffic delay times and notification of upcoming hazards was really good. I'm amazed that it's a free app too!
Saturday I'm off to France (sadly my A2 will stay at home) so will try both then, but at the moment Waze seems to be the better satnav. I thought I'd post this and see if people concur with me on Waze and to let people know about it.
 
As you said, waze's advantage is real time information updated by users (you can also report police etc.).

But going abroad, i like Google Maps for the ability to download maps and use them without internet connection (using only GPS installed on phone) - offline mode.

Also there are places which Waze can't find but G Maps can.
 
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Google owns Waze since 2013. I use both and they both have their merits.
I prefer to run Waze without Android auto lousy interface.
 
Google maps is excellent ... but it used to be much better.

Year or two years ago Google started adding new features that no-one really needs. It made the app slower and "polluted" the user interfece.

The algorithms (to calculate /decide on the route) seem to be weaker too. I'm a computer programmer myself so "I'm the expert who knows every software" ?

Generally good app to use as satnav in your car, but could be a bit better e.g fetch/display real traffic, diversions etc.
 
Waze and Google Maps are definitely great for real time information. I use them only when it's absolutely necessary for that as they drain the battery really quickly and my phone gets uncomfortably warm. Even the battery saver mode in Waze doesn't help with that, at least on my phone.

For offline navigation I use Here Maps (I believe originally developed by Nokia). I set it to night mode for a darker theme to reduce battery usage and turn off data as well.
 
Here requires no data when you've downloaded the maps. I've been using it for a very long time across pretty much all of central Europe and it's generally very, very good.

- Bret
 
I also use Google Maps, you can download cards for offline use when you put in the route.
Waze is also nice. I have downloaded Android Auto, in it you can choose for Maps or Waze. Android Auto was not available in the store for my country, so Installed with an original Apk.
And with "Hey google" you can give the destination adres through voice commands
 
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